Narragansett Indian collection

The Narragansett Indian collection is a compilation of documents extracted from manuscript proceedings of the general assembly. Comprising 196 items, the records consist primarily of eighteenth & nineteenth century acts & resolutions, petitions, memorials & reports issued as relating to land transfers between tribal leaders & the colony / state, or between individual members residing both inside & outside of Rhode Island. Several stray items surrounding efforts toward tribal recognition & federal acknowledgement commencing in the 1970’s are included. Majority of the collection may have been organized by the Commissioner of Indian affairs, an office established by act of the legislature, approved Jan. 30, 1840 to oversee the affairs of the Narragansett Indian Tribe & to settle controversies arising from real & personal estates. The office of commissioner remained in effect until tribal authority was abolished by public law, chapter 800, approved Mach 31, 1880.